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Frequently Asked Questions

What can a 3D scan be used for?

A 3D scan can be used for a variety of applications, such as:

  • Architecture and construction: 3D scans can be used to create 3D models of buildings and construction sites for planning, design, and monitoring purposes.

  • Reverse engineering: 3D scans can be used to create a digital replica of an object or part, which can then be used for analysis, redesign, or reproduction.

  • Quality control: 3D scans can be used to compare the scanned object to a CAD model or other reference data to check for deviations or defects.

  • Prototyping: 3D scans can be used to create a 3D model that can be used to create a physical prototype using additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing.

  • Archival and Cultural heritage preservation: 3D scans can be used to create high-resolution digital models of artifacts, buildings, and other cultural heritage objects for preservation, research, and educational purposes.

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These are just a few examples of the many applications of 3D scanning that are continuously evolving. The versatility of 3D scanning technology makes it useful in a wide range of industries and fields.

What are the limitations of a 3D scan?

A 3D scan captures the shape and geometry of an object or environment in three dimensions, but it may not capture everything depending on various factors such as the scanning conditions and the properties of the object being scanned.

 

Here are some potential limitations of a 3D scan:

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  • Incomplete coverage: A 3D scan may not capture every surface or detail of an object or environment, especially if the object is complex or has hard-to-reach areas. Depending on the scanning conditions, there may also be blind spots or gaps in the resulting point cloud.

  • Environmental factors: The quality of a 3D scan can be affected by environmental factors such as lighting conditions, reflections, and vibrations. These factors can cause errors or distortions in the resulting point cloud.

  • Material properties: The properties of the object being scanned can affect the quality of the 3D scan. For example, reflective or transparent materials may be more difficult to capture accurately, while soft or deformable materials may not maintain their shape during the scanning process.

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In summary, a 3D scan captures the shape and geometry of an object or environment in three dimensions, but there may be limitations depending on various factors. It's important to consider these limitations when using 3D scanning for a particular application and to select the appropriate equipment and scanning conditions to achieve the desired results.

Do colours show up on a point cloud?

Yes, colours can be captured in a 3D laser scan using a technique called colourization or texture mapping.

In a typical 3D laser scanning process, a laser scanner captures the shape and geometry of an object or environment by measuring the distance to each point on the surface. This results in a point cloud, which is a collection of 3D points that represent the object's surface. However, this point cloud does not contain any colour information.

To add colour to the point cloud, our Trimble SX12 scanner uses a camera to create a series of photographs are used to capture images of the object or environment from different angles. These images can then be aligned with the point cloud and used to create a texture map, which is a 2D image that is wrapped around the 3D geometry of the object. This process is called texture mapping or colourization.

Once the texture map is applied to the point cloud, the resulting 3D model will display the colours of the original object or environment. This can be useful for creating realistic visualizations or for identifying features that are colour-coded.

What formats are used to store a 3D Scan/Point Cloud?

There are several formats that are commonly used for viewing point clouds, depending on the software and tools being used. Here are some of the most popular formats:

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  • LAS/LAZ: The LAS format is one of the most widely used formats for storing point cloud data. It was developed by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The compressed version of the format is called LAZ. It is designed to store a large amount of data related to 3D coordinates, including XYZ coordinates, intensity values, and classifications. It can also store additional information such as scan angles, GPS information, and timestamps.

 

The LAZ format uses lossless compression to reduce the size of the LAS file, while preserving the accuracy and quality of the data. The LAS/LAZ file format is widely used in a variety of applications, such as surveying, mapping, urban planning, forestry, and environmental monitoring.

 

The format is supported by many software applications, including commercial software like ArcGIS and open-source software like CloudCompare and PDAL. The LAS/LAZ format is preferred by many professionals in the field of 3D laser scanning and LiDAR applications because it is a standardized format that supports high-resolution data and can be easily exchanged between different software applications and platforms.​

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  • E57: The .e57 format was developed by ASTM International as a standard for the exchange of 3D imaging data, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It is designed to support a wide range of point cloud data, including both 3D coordinates and colour information. It also supports data compression, which allows for the storage of large amounts of data in a more efficient manner.

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The .e57 format is often used for capturing and storing data from LiDAR scanners and other 3D imaging devices.  One of the advantages of the .e57 format is that it is an open standard, which means that it can be used by a variety of software applications and devices. This allows for greater interoperability and flexibility when working with point cloud data.

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  • XYZ: The XYZ format is a simple text-based format that stores point cloud data as a list of X, Y, and Z coordinates. It is often used for simple point cloud data visualizations.

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  • PLY: The PLY format is a popular format for point cloud data because it supports both ASCII and binary encoding. It is often used for 3D scanning and modeling applications.

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  • OBJ: The OBJ format is a widely used format for 3D models, but it can also be used to store point cloud data. This format is often used for graphics and visualization applications.

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It's important to note that different software and tools may have different capabilities and requirements when it comes to point cloud formats. It's always a good idea to check the documentation or ask the software provider for recommendations on the best format to use for your specific application.

How do I view and work with my completed digital 3D point cloud?

Upon processing we will provide you with the original point cloud/scan file type suited for you or your design team.

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A few best and most popular point cloud software compatible with our scans are: Autodesk: ReCap (Pro), Trimble: RealWorks, Faro: Scene, Leica: Cyclone, SketchUp: Studio

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If you do not have a licensed point cloud software, see below for a list of free point cloud viewers. We are happy to assist in specific editing and processing requests to get you the final dataset and deliverables you are looking for.

Can I view point clouds for free?

Yes, there are several free software programs that allow you to view and manipulate point cloud data. Here are a few options:

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  • CloudCompare: CloudCompare is a free open-source software that allows you to visualize and manipulate point cloud data. It supports a wide range of file formats and can perform various operations such as filtering, registration, and segmentation.

  • Plas.io: Plas.io is a web-based point cloud viewer that allows you to visualize and manipulate point cloud data.  No need to download anything, just simply load it into a browser to view.

  • MeshLab: MeshLab is another free open-source software that can handle point cloud data. It provides various tools for editing and processing point clouds, including filtering, smoothing, and simplification.

  • PDAL: PDAL is an open-source software library for point cloud data that can be used to process, filter, and analyze point clouds. It provides a command-line interface and can handle a wide range of file formats.

  • Potree: Potree is a web-based point cloud viewer that allows you to visualize point clouds in a web browser. It can handle large datasets and provides various options for visualization and interaction.

  • Autodesk Recap: Autodesk Recap is a free software that allows you to view and process point cloud data. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports various file formats

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Note that some of these software programs may have limitations or require technical expertise to use.

How long does it take to receive my completed digital model?

Let us know what time frame you need and we will do everything we can to make that work.  We aim to maintain a typical turn around time for a processed digital model/point cloud from the scan visit date to be fully delivered within 1-2 weeks.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the area and existing infrastructure/environment, accompanying modelling information such as CAD/3D models/drawings, and the level of detail required.  Send us an inquiry noting your needs and the space you are looking to have scanned (address, photos, etc...) and we will work to provide a competitive quote to get you a functional and affordable product.

Can you update my 3D scan?

Absolutely.  Let us know if you think you would like us to return mid or post project to keep your digital space up to date and allow you to have an archived representation of any changes and work that has been performed.  This data can help keep records from the planning and construction phase to completion with the ability to layer on top of each other.

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